Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has challenged the credibility of those who initially dismissed reports of a mass abduction of worshippers in Kaduna State.
In a statement shared on his 𝕏 (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, the former Anambra State governor questioned the source of the information used by officials who had earlier described the reports as false. He also called for accountability, insisting that those responsible for the denial should face consequences now that the incident has been officially confirmed.
Obi stressed that beyond identifying those who misled the public, urgent and coordinated efforts must be made to secure the release of the abducted worshippers and ensure their safe return.
He criticized what he described as a lack of leadership and empathy, urging authorities to demonstrate through action that the lives of Nigerians truly matter.
“Now that it has been established that more than 150 worshippers were abducted from churches in Kaduna, it is important to ask: where did those who denied the incident get their information from?” Obi wrote.
He further questioned why individuals who were previously accused of spreading misinformation were threatened with punishment, asking who would now be held responsible for the false denial.
According to Obi, a situation of this magnitude should provoke swift national response, transparent communication, and visible leadership. He emphasized that leadership goes beyond the pursuit of power, noting that it also requires presence, compassion, and decisive action in moments of national distress.
Calling for immediate intervention, Obi urged the government to intensify efforts to rescue the victims unharmed and confront the country’s worsening insecurity head-on.
“Enough is enough,” he added, ending his statement with his familiar slogan: “A New Nigeria is POssible.”
The comments follow confirmation by the Nigeria Police Force that an abduction did take place in Kurmin Wali, a remote settlement in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The police said the confirmation came after detailed intelligence gathering and verification.
Also Read: Davido’s Father Denies Paternity Claim, Reveals DNA Test Results
The official acknowledgment has fueled public debate, particularly in light of earlier assurances from some government officials who had initially denied that any kidnapping occurred in the community.
